Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Historical Overview of the Bionomics of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran: Insights and Implications

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Anopheles stephensi is a subtropical anopheline species that is considered among the most efficient vectors of human malaria. Recently, this species has expanded its range to southern latitudes, reaching the Horn of Africa. The spread of An. stephensi is a major threat to global malaria control. This study aimed to synthesize all available data on the bionomics of An. stephensi in Iran.
Methods: A literature search (1960–2025) was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and regional indexes. Keywords related to An. stephensi and malaria in Iran were used. Studies on distribution, taxonomy, behavior, habitats and infection were included.
Results: The search yielded 56 eligible publications from over 230 screened. The species breeds widely in both rural and urban environments using natural and artificial containers. It is primarily endophilic and endophagic, with peak blood-feeding in the early night and both zoophilic and anthropophilic tendencies. Three biological forms were noted, but molecular evidence does not support them as a species complex.
Conclusions: No evidence was found that An. stephensi is a species complex. Its ecological adaptability and behavioral plasticity are key to its role in malaria transmission. Breeding, resting, and blood-feeding behaviors are critical factors to consider in vector control programs. As Iran nears elimination, the importance of continuous surveillance, integrated vector management and cross-border collaboration is emphasized. This approach can also offer valuable lessons for regions that have recently been affected by this vector, provided that contextual adaptations are made to local ecological, social and health system conditions.

Social Determinants of Health Influencing Leishmaniasis Worldwide: A Systematic Review

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors. This study aimed to review the evidence on social determinants of health SDH associated with leishmaniasis worldwide.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was carried out in national databases (IranMedex and Magiran), the Google Scholar search engine, as well as international databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results: Out of 5538 retrieved articles, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that poverty, inadequate housing conditions, residence in rural or marginalized areas, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare services were among the influential SDH associated with a risk of leishmaniasis. Analysis within the WHO SDH framework revealed that social determinants, particularly those at the structural level (socioeconomic status) and intermediary level (housing conditions, health behaviors, and access to services), played a critical role in shaping the incidence and spatial distribution of leishmaniasis in the studied populations.

Conclusion: The available evidence underscores that leishmaniasis is not solely an infectious disease but also a condition deeply rooted in social and economic inequalities. Strengthening health equity policies, improving living conditions, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding access to healthcare services can substantially contribute to the global prevention and control of leishmaniasis.

Association of Head Lice Infestation with Staphylococcal Dysbiosis: Molecular Identification of Pediculus capitis and Staphylococcal Profiling in School Children

Laith Azz-Aldeen Ismael, Amani Mohammed Jasim, Ashwak Jasim Kzar — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Head lice infestations are a widespread health problem among school-aged children globally. Nevertheless, the importance of lice as initiators of scalp microbiome changes and as causes of secondary bacterial superinfections remains poorly understood. The paper aims to examine the PCR-based identification of head lice and to assess the epidemiological relationship between head lice infestation and scalp colonization by Staphylococcus species.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 primary school children (50 infested and 50 controls) aged between 5 and 12 years in the governorate of Nineveh (Iraq). The molecular identification of head lice was performed by amplifying the COX1 gene, and the comprehensive Staphylococcal profiling of scalp swabs was performed using culture and 16S rRNA gene amplification.
Results: Molecular analysis using COX1 gene specific amplification showed the presence of P. humanus capitis in 93.9% of the collected samples. The microbiological tests showed profound staphylococcal dysbiosis: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 74% of infested children and absent in the control group (0%), indicating a highly significant association (χ²=58.73, p<0.001). Conversely, the commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis was found predominantly in healthy controls (66%) but significantly less frequently in infested children (26%).
Conclusion: The pathogenic S. aureus prevails on the scalp of children with head lice with a striking shift, which illustrates a clinically significant interaction of ectoparasitic infestation with staphylococcal dysbiosis. The results also suggest that pediculosis is a risk factor for S. aureus overgrowth and emphasize the need for combined treatment strategies that address lice and bacterial complications.

Entomological Surveillance of Aedes Mosquitoes at the International Entry Points in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, 2025

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: The rapid spread of Aedes mosquitoes has raised global concerns about arboviral infections. Although West Azerbaijan Province holds significant ecological and geopolitical importance, it has received limited entomological research focused on the establishment and distribution of Aedes species.
Methods: From March to November 2025, we conducted an extensive entomological survey at ten international points of entry across West Azerbaijan Province. Our monitoring program included ovitrap surveillance, inspections of larval habitats and collections of adult mosquitoes. For each breeding site, environmental characteristics such as vegetation type, water quality, sunlight exposure and habitat stability were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, applying binomial tests with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate species dominance and ecological associations.
Results: We collected a total of 1,789 mosquito specimens, of which 184 (10.3%) belonged to the genus Aedes. The majority of these were Aedes caspius s.l. (n=175), while a smaller number were Aedes flavescens (n=9). Approximately 85% of the habitats that tested positive for Aedes were natural environments and 70% of these were vegetated, typically containing clear, stagnant water. No evidence was found for the presence of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus.
Conclusion: The dominance of Ae. caspius s.l. highlights its ecological adaptation to vegetated natural habitats. Although urban Aedes species were absent, the occurrence of Ae. caspius s.l. underscores the importance of continued ovitrap-based monitoring and site-specific habitat management. Sustainable and integrated surveillance programs in border areas are important for early detection of vector entry, given the potential for cross-border movements.

Efficacy of a Hemolymph-Based Cream Derived from Lucilia sericata Larvae in Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study in BALB/c Mice

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with limited therapeutic options due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and prolonged treatment duration associated with pentavalent antimonials such as meglumine antimoniate (MAT). Lucilia sericata larvae produce hemolymph containing bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential as an alternative or adjunct therapy for CL.
Methods: Hemolymph was extracted from sterile third-instar L. sericata larvae and characterized using SDS-PAGE and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography. The antileishmanial activity of whole hemolymph, its most active fraction, MAT, and their combinations was assessed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. Cytotoxicity, cytokine gene expression and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated. In vivo efficacy was examined in BALB/c mice infected with L. major and treated for 28 days with topical hemolymph cream, intramuscular MAT, or combination therapy. Lesion size and parasite burden were measured.
Results: Whole hemolymph and the active fraction significantly inhibited parasite growth in vitro, while combination treatments showed strong synergistic effects. Treatments enhanced Th1-associated cytokines, suppressed Th2 cytokines, and increased reactive oxygen species production. In vivo, hemolymph cream reduced lesion size and parasite load, with the greatest improvement observed in the combination group. No significant cytotoxicity was detected.
Conclusions: Lucilia sericata larval hemolymph exhibits potent antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity and represents a promising and safe topical therapy for CL. Combination with MAT enhances efficacy and may reduce systemic toxicity.

Molecular Characterization of Cytochrome P450 Genes (CYP9M10 and CYP4H34) in Insecticide-Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Culex pipiens

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Culex pipiens is widespread in Iran and is an important vector of several diseases. Although phenotypic resistance to insecticides such as DDT and pyrethroids has been reported using WHO assays, sequence‑level information on metabolic resistance genes, particularly cytochrome P450 genes, remains limited. This study examined variation in two P450 genes, CYP9M10 and CYP4H34, in deltamethrin‑ and DDT‑resistant versus susceptible strains of Cx. pipiens, and assessed the potential impact of these differences on predicted protein structures.
Methods: Target fragments of CYP9M10 and CYP4H34 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Sanger method. Edited nucleotide sequences were aligned with CLUSTAL OMEGA, and amino acid sequences were generated using ExPASy Translate. Comparisons were conducted at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. Representative sequences were submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic relationships among strains were inferred via maximum-likelihood (ML) analysis in MEGA6 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Predicted amino acid substitutions were examined for structural relevance.
Results: Four nucleotide differences were detected at positions 1344, 1347, 1396 and within 1428–1442. Previously published permethrin‑ and pyrethroid‑resistant reference sequences were identical across this region, whereas sequences from this study showed distinctions from those references and between resistant and susceptible strains. Some nucleotide substitutions led to amino acid changes, though their structural effects were only inferred computationally.
Conclusion: This study provides new sequence-level insights into variation in Cx. pipiens P450 genes and highlights potential genetic differences that may contribute to resistance to DDT and deltamethrin, warranting further functional investigation.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Odontobuthus doriae Crude Venom on the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Scorpion venom is a complex mixture containing toxic peptides, free amino acids, enzymes, nucleotides, lipids, amines, mucoproteins and other bioactive components. It has been reported to exhibit a range of medicinal properties, including anticancer, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, analgesic, antitumor and antiepileptic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of crude venom from Odontobuthus doriae on the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCf-7) breast cancer cell line.
Methods: 2×10⁴ MCF-7 cancer cells were cultured in T25 flasks containing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. After overnight incubation, the culture medium was replaced with different concentrations of crude venom (0.2, 0.48, 0.97, 1.95, 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/mL). The cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT reduction assay at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment, performed in triplicate. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm using an ELISA reader.
Results: A concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed. A statistically significant difference in cytotoxicity was observed between the 24 hour and the 48/72-hour treatments, while no significant difference was noted between the 48 and 72 hour time points. The IC₅₀ values were calculated to be 4.775 µg/mL (24 h), 31.87 µg/mL (48 h), and 3.543 µg/mL (72 h).
Conclusion: The crude venom of O. doriae exhibits significant cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer agent.

Validation and Quantification of Methamphetamine in Empty Puparia of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Using Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Entomotoxicology provides an alternative matrix for detecting drugs in decomposed human remains when conventional specimens are unavailable. This study aimed to develop and validate a quantitative method for detecting methamphetamine (MA) in different developmental stages of the blowfly Lucilia sericata.
Methods: Immature stages of L. sericata (larvae, pupae, empty puparia) were reared on chicken liver spiked with MA at concentrations of 45, 90 and 180 ng/mg. Samples underwent liquid–liquid extraction, derivatization via acetylation, and analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated according to international guidelines, evaluating limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy and repeatability.
Results: The method showed strong linearity across the studied concentration range (R²= 0.9817–0.9934). The limit of detection and LOQ were 15 ng/mg and 45 ng/mg, respectively, with a relative standard deviation (RSD)≤ 20% at the LOQ level. Intra- and inter-day precision showed RSD values< 10%, and accuracy ranged from 98.55% to 100.73%. Methamphetamine was detected in all immature stages and empty puparia. The highest observed concentrations were detected in third-instar larvae and pupae, whereas no drug residues were detected in adult flies. Methamphetamine retention in empty puparia supports their potential forensic relevance for retrospective drug detection.
Conclusion: This validated method demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy and repeatability for quantitative entomotoxicological analysis. The detection of methamphetamine across insect developmental stages suggests the suitability of this approach as a supplementary tool for forensic investigations involving decomposed remains.

Awareness of West Nile Virus and Zoonotic Disease Transmission among Residents of Northern Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0430

Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause severe neurological disease in humans, making public awareness crucial for prevention. The study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of individuals living in Northern Cyprus regarding sources and transmission routes of this disease.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 389 people participated. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed by researchers. The survey included questions about participants' awareness, sources of information, knowledge of WNV transmission routes, and preventive measures. It was conducted face-to-face. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests assessed p-values and significance.
Results: 80.1% of participants had never heard of zoonotic diseases. When asked about the transmission route of WNV, 59.7% correctly identified animal or insect bites as the mode of transmission. In terms of precautions, 60.7% reported taking measures such as window screens and bed nets to protect from mosquito bites, while 39.3% did not. As hypothesized, a significant association was shown between nationality and knowledge of zoonotic disease (p=0.026). In addition, gender was significantly associated with preventive measures (p=0.008), with females more likely to show protective behaviors compared to males.
Conclusion: Results indicate a general lack of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the population of Northern Cyprus; however, a larger proportion reported taking personal precautions against mosquito bites. The Ministry of Health can organize training sessions and seminars to increase public awareness about WNV. Additionally, municipalities should take mosquito and larval control measures, particularly in summer.

Dengue Fever and the FIFA World Cup 2026: Time for Action

Ismaeil Alizadeh, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0430

The highly anticipated “Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026” is set to kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19, 2026. This prestigious tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. As millions of fans from around the globe flock to the host nations to experience the excitement of the matches in person, it is important to consider the heightened risk of infectious diseases during such large-scale events (1). One notable concern is the transmission of Aedes-borne pathogens, including dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Past events, such as the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, have illustrated the potential risks, as the Zika virus, carried by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes posed significant challenges despite their relatively low incidence at the time (2). Given the widespread nature of dengue fever, which is now endemic in over 100 countries and leads to an estimated 390 million new infections annually (3), the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires particular scrutiny in this regard. This letter aims to highlight the potential risks of dengue fever's global spread during such major international events and underscores the importance of comprehensive public health measures.